S Florida parks losing thousands in US shutdown

The National Park Service says it's losing thousands of dollars a day in fees at two South Florida parks because of the federal government shutdown.

The Associated Press

MIAMI — The National Park Service says it's losing thousands of dollars a day in fees at two South Florida parks because of the federal government shutdown.

In a statement last week, park service officials said Everglades National Park gets an average of 2,723 visitors each day in October. The park stands to lose roughly $2,435 in entrance fees each day of the shutdown, along with $612 in other daily fees. More than 230 park employees are furloughed.

Dry Tortugas National Park gets an average of 107 daily visitors in October. Officials say the park will lose roughly $1,500 in entrance and concession fees each day during the shutdown. Five park employees have been furloughed.

Officials say visitors to both parks spend tens of millions of dollars in surrounding communities each year.